Tom Cruise - who plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg in new movie 'Valkyrie' - always wants to "challenge" himself with the roles he takes on

Tom Cruise always wants to "challenge" himself with the roles he takes on.

The 46-year-old actor - who plays Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg in new movie 'Valkyrie', which tells the story about a plot to kill Adolf Hitler - always aims to take on parts which push his acting ability.

He said: "The colonel was a very different character for me to portray but I've always taken on challenging roles. I am always looking for a good movie and I have always wanted to challenge myself. I just want to keep growing as an artist and I don't think that has ever changed."

Tom also revealed he wasn't put off starring in the film by its controversial subject matter.

He added: "There was a lot of controversy but it kind of got blown out of proportion. Making the film was an intense experience. I didn't know a lot about the story beforehand and I didn't know the level of what this man, and all the men and their families, went through, so you naturally feel that kind of pressure.

"I felt a great responsibility to make sure we had the spirit of the Resistance in this piece and that we were as accurate as possible."